Wearing medical identification can provide emergency medical workers with potentially life-saving information if you are in an accident or end up in an emergency room.

Sometimes, however, people with diabetes view wearing such ID as an onerous chore. But this needn’t be so.

Wearing medical ID can be pleasurable and even fun.

Keep these considerations in mind when choosing medical ID jewelry:

Decide which style you want

Many companies now offer trendy, fashionable bracelets or other jewelry that can include precious stones, mixtures of silver and gold, and even beads.

If you prefer a more conservative style, you can choose a traditional ID bracelet that can be engraved with information about your medical condition.

Have reasonable expectations about your medical ID jewelry

Diamonds might last forever, but your medical ID might not. If you wear it every day, it will eventually need some maintenance, such as re-engraving, reinforcing the attachment of the plate to the chain, and re-enameling colored areas.

The more the merrier!

Think about changing your medical ID daily or weekly to match what you are wearing. It will look more stylish and may last longer.

Be creative

Gone are the days when your choices were limited. Now you can even purchase “do-it-yourself” kits that allow you to make the kind of bracelet you want.

Understand the value of what you are buying

Items that are trendy have a shorter life span than items made of gold. And price has a lot to do with longevity. Be sure you understand that the purpose of your investment is to save your life and that it may require a financial commitment and occasional updating.

Susan Eisen is president of Lifetag Inc. She has had type 1 diabetes for the past 11 years. For more information, e-mail Lifetag.com or phone (888) 543-3824.